Powder conveying device and image forming apparatus incorporating same
US12111600B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 23, 2023 |
| Grant date | Oct 8, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 23, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2221/0005
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A powder conveying device includes a drop conveyance passage, an intersecting conveyance passage, a conveying screw, and a floating member. Powder entering from an inflow port drops in the drop conveyance passage. The intersecting conveyance passage communicates with a lower end of the drop conveyance passage and extends in an intersecting direction that intersects the drop conveyance passage. The conveying screw is disposed in the intersecting conveyance passage and rotates in a specified direction to convey the powder in the intersecting direction. The floating member is movably installed in the drop conveyance passage and floats in the drop conveyance passage to move by contact with the conveying screw. The inflow port and the floating member interfere with each other to prevent the floating member from coming out of the inflow port of the drop conveyance passage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.